[ad_1]
Like Luffy, he also wears a straw hat. Only, he doesn’t eat the chewing fruit. If he happened to eat it without our knowledge, then it’s certain that its power would not stretch like an elastic band. He has more special powers. He knows how to create memories, freeze time and… bring out the beauty of nature. Who are we talking about? David Gnanha! Beninese photojournalist. Thirty years old. His talent is as free as the wind, transcending borders and capturing the essence of every moment with a unique sensitivity.
Afrik.com went to meet this communications enthusiast with a sharp wit and a great sense of humour.
Afrik: Could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your journey as a photographer?
I’m David Gnaha and I’m a photojournalist. My story with photography began about ten years ago, when, after training in journalism, I got an internship in a communications agency. Since this encounter with photography, I’ve been following online tutorials day and night to improve my skills. Basically, I’m self-taught! Since 2016, I also manage a communications and audiovisual production company.
Afrik: What inspired you to get into photography? Was there a specific moment or event that sparked this passion?
The only time I feel good is when I communicate. Whether it’s expressing my ideas, defending them, presenting my own or others’ work. Communication has always been my lifelong dream. Today, I am proud that I pursued my dream through photography even though I didn’t have the opportunity to go to a good school.
Afrik: Recently, you launched a project called “ME AU NATUREL”. Can you tell us more about it? What made you create it?
The ME AU NATUREL project was born out of a very simple observation: women in African societies are taking less and less responsibility for themselves. They are increasingly resorting to depigmentation and accessories (fake nails, fake buttocks, wigs, etc.) to highlight their beauty and uniqueness. They go to great lengths to conform to European beauty standards. Due to an identity crisis, they even grow long wigs to look more like Europeans.
“African women are beautiful without affectation.”
The goal of this project is to remind everyone who women are through the eyes of the world, that they are beautiful, without pretense.
Therefore, they came to the Gnanha Pictures studio without any tricks to take portraits, which were published on social networks with the hashtag #MOIAAUNATUREL and accompanied by their testimonies. The project received great support on the network and was a great success. It is a source of pride for me and my team, we are very proud of the results and the feedback.
Afrik: Why did you choose this title? What does “Natural Beauty” mean to you?
It is an affirmation designed to restore confidence in who we are! The natural way to prove who we are every day is to stay natural, as the saying goes: “Chase nature and it will come back in a hurry.”
The power of women in the world is dominant and for me, if they embody change, the world will follow. My message through this project is very simple: Be proud of yourself and spread it around the world!
Afrik: How do you choose your subjects? Are there any particular criteria?
There are no such selection criteria. To participate, just express your desire through a publication on Facebook. Some women sign up, others are confirmed by their friends contacting my team. Basically, I want only 10 women and currently we have more than 60 women coming to the GNAHAPICTURES workshop.
Afrik: What were the main characteristics of the subject that you hoped to capture in this project?
My work focuses on skin tone and hair (cut, shaved, curly or nappy). These are the features I try to capture.
Afrik: Can you describe your creative process when taking the photos for “ME AU NATUREL”?
The process is simple, come to the studio after the appointment, no makeup, no wig, just you and your smile. For the rest, we will help you pose. I use two artificial light sources to better highlight the subject. The image has white and black so that the eye can focus on the model.
Afrik: Do you think this project contributes to better self-acceptance and redefining beauty standards in our society?
Absolutely! You have to read the testimonies that accompany these images of women that we publish on social networks to understand better. More than a simple photo, it is a form of therapy. That’s when we realize how difficult it is for people to accept themselves the way they are.
Afrik: Do you have any future projects related to “ME AU NATUREL”? How do you see this concept developing in the coming years?
We will soon launch another phase of the project. A few days ago, we met with partners to move away from the virtual framework and move towards the physical presentation of the work. Discussions are ongoing so that we can reach more people. This topic concerns not only women, but also men.
Afrik: What advice would you give to young photographers who want to capture the natural beauty of their models?
One piece of advice: practice! We progress and improve our skills through practice. Beauty is everywhere, we need to enhance it by capturing it.
Afrik: Any final words for our readers? Where can they discover your work and follow your next exhibition or project?
A big thank you to everyone who supports us. It’s the real fuel in this crazy engine of passion that drives us forward every day.
I can stay in touch on digital channels via the links below.
The hashtag for the event is #MOIAUNATUREL
Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@davidgnaha
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/david.gnaha/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gnaha-a7052289/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dgnaha
[ad_2]
Source link
